NEAR news vol.54 (ENG)

NEAR Leading the Era of Northeast Asia2013. 11-12

Vol. 54

NEARNews

NEAR This Month NEAR Activities I Secretariat News I NEAR Member News I The 1st NEAR Youth Essay Contest Feature Report New Year’s Culture of Member Regions I New Year’s Greetings from Member Regions NEAR Member Tour Heilongjiang Province, China I Jeju Special Self-Governing Province, South Korea

The Association of North East Asia Regional

Governments

New Year’s Greetings from Member Regions

Vol. 5412 16 18

“NEAR News” was launched in 2005 to serve as a messenger between NEAR member regions and promote sharing of information. The bi-monthly magazine is published and distributed to NEAR members and other relevant organizations free of charge, containing information on NEAR activities, news from members, international issues, contributions and announcements (also available free at http://www.neargov.org). You can take part in creating NEAR News anytime by contributing articles and creative ideas (Contact the NEAR Secretariat).

NEAR News

Winter Landscape of the Khuvsgul Lake, Khuvsgul Province, Mongolia

NEAR is...a representative regional diplomacy cooperation and international organization by 76 regional governments (71 member regions and 5 observers) in 6 Northeast Asian countries, including South Korea, China, Japan, Russia, North Korea, and Mongolia.Since the adoption of the NEAR Charter based on mutual prosperity, NEAR has carried out extensive exchange and cooperation projects in various fields ranging from economy and humanities exchange, education & cultural exchange, environment, disaster prevention, cross-border cooperation, science & technology, ocean & fisheries, tourism, mineral resources development & coordination, energy & climate change, women & children, bio-medical industry to agriculture.Partnering with and promoting joint projects by strengthening the exchange with international organizations such as AER (The Assembly of European Regions), the largest independent network of regional authorities in Europe, and R-20 (Regions of Climate Action), NEAR takes the lead in building an international cooperative network communicating with the world beyond Northeast Asia.

NEAR is open to all. Any local government located in the Northeast Asian region sharing the founding purpose of NEAR can join us through the NEAR General Assembly.


Governments

NEAR This Month NEAR Activities

NEAR Activities

The 11th Sub-Committee on Environment Group Photo

Opening Ceremony of Sub-Committee on Ocean & Fishery

The Sub-Committee on Economy & Humanities Exchange was held on December 11-13 at Jeju Island, South Korea for the first time since the Sub-Committee name changed into Sub-Committee on Economy & Humanities Exchange to prosper cultures of Northeast Asia and promote understanding among member regions by expanding international network on humanities exchange in addition to economic area.

In the Sub-Committee, Gyeongsangbuk-do Province delivered a presentation on cases of village enterprises creating stable income and jobs by using specialized resources scattered around the villages, under the theme of ‘Sustainable development cases of historic and traditional village & Best cases of management and development of village enterprises and cooperative associations’. After that, each participating member had a discussion making a presentation related to the topic. The details will be updated in the next month.

Activity Reports of Sub-Committees

The 10th Sub-Committee on Economy & Humanities Exchange Held- Gyeongsangbuk-do Province, South Korea (December 11~13)

The 11th Sub-Committee on Environment

The 3rd Sub-Committee on Ocean & Fishery was held on November 5-7 in Qhingdao City, Shandong. The title of the Sub-Committee was ‘Forum on Emerging Ocean Industry and Construction of Blue Silicon Valley’. With the theme of ‘Creation, Cooperation, and Development’, more than 160 people, including representatives of NEAR members, and Korean and Japanese Consul-General in Qingdao, and staff related to ocean and fisheries of the city, participated in the meeting.

With the opening speech by Zhao Luntian, Vice Governor of Shandong Province, the opening ceremony started and Vice Governor Zhao emphasized that marine economy will grow through mutual supplementation of each region based on abundant marine resources of Northeast Asia at the opening remarks. Moreover, Shandong Province promised to carry out related tasks as a coordinator of NEAR Sub-Committee on Ocean and Fishery and contribute to economy development of ocean and fisheries in Northeast Asia with member regions. In addition, NEAR Secretary General Kim said that “I am pleased that the 3rd Sub-Committee meeting is also held in Qingdao after the founding meeting 2009 was successfully held in Qingdao delivering the congratulatory address. In particular, it was meaningful for the forum to deal with an industry convergence, such as ocean & fisheries, science, technology, and finance. The congratulatory remarks were also delivered by Deputy Director of China Agriculture and Ocean Division and Deputy Director-General of State Ocean Administration People's Republic of China.

After the opening ceremony, the forum officially started with a presentation led by Deputy Director-General Jiang Qingchun of Shandong Ocean & Fishery Department.

First speaker, Director Wang Shouxin of Shandong Ocean & Fishery Department, introduced policy directions, including construction of 7 emerging ocean industry bases which have been conducted by Shandong, under the theme of ‘Development of emerging ocean industry and change of blue economic structure’. Chief Lim Min-ho of Ocean & Fishery Division of Chungcheongnam-do Province, as a representative of member regions, introduced the policies that have been promoted in Chungcheongnam-do Province under the theme of ‘Farming and fishing village worth living in, three agricultural innovations created with farmers and fishermen'. Besides, 13 representatives from academics, ocean technology, finance, and enterprises, expressed their various views regarding emerging ocean industry and Blue Silicon Valley. Chief Kim Jong-bu of Ocean & Fishery Division of Gyeongsangnam-do Province, said it was impressive to analyze ocean and fisheries from various angles for development of ocean and fisheries.

Date ScheduleDecember 11(Wed) Registration and Welcome Banquet

December 12( Thu)

• Introduction of Gyeongsangbuk-do Internationalization Grand long-term Plan • Introduction of Village Enterprises and Cooperative Associations’ Policies

(Ministry of Strategy and Finance) • Introduction of Village Enterprises and Cooperative Associations’ Policies

(Ministry of Strategy and Finance) • Development Cases of Village Enterprises and Cooperative Associations

(Gyeongsangbuk-do Province) • Presentation by Participating Members • Free Discussion and Q&A

December 13(Fri) Industrial & Cultural Tour and Departure

■ Schedule of NEAR Sub-Committee on Economy & Humanities Exchange

The 11th Sub-Committee on Environment was held on October 31 in Toyama Prefecture, Coordinator of the Sub-Committee, Japan. In the Sub-Committee, participated by 8 member regions across 4 countries including China, Japan, South Korea, and Mongolia, there were the report on the current situation of Sub-Committee’s individual projects and activity reports starting from election of next-term coordinator. In addition, each member region delivered presentations regarding the current situation of individual projects on environment and exchanged their opinions.

Meanwhile, before the Sub-Committee was held, there was an opportunity for exchange between member regions and environmental organizations with ‘Northeast Asia Environment Activity Exchange Gathering’ held. The Sub-Committee was favorably received by participating members due to the fruitful contents such as a joint performance of environmental projects and it was a chance to broaden exchange and cooperation activities in the area of environment with participation of international organizations.

The 3rd Sub-Committee on Ocean & Fishery

NEAR NEWS Vol. 544

NEAR This Month Secretariat News

Secretariat News

20 representatives, including Chairman Song Pil-gak of Gyeongsangbuk-do Council visited Irkutsk, Russia to participate in Gyeongsangbuk-do Province-Irkutsk Regional Council meeting and meet government officials of the Irkutsk government on October 26-30.

They exchanged opinions regarding World Water Forum 2015 and the ways to activate exchanges using cultural resources of each nation and

introduced the excellence of Korean language visiting Irkutsk State Linguistic University on the first day. On the following day, they discussed pending issues with the NEAR Secretariat and requested active participation in the Sub-Committee on Economy & Humanities Exchange held in December while visiting the Irkutsk government.

NEAR Secretary General Kim participated in the 6th International Conference hosted by Northeast Asia Community Studies Organization held on October 30 at Press Center. In the conference, international experts analyzed the conflicts in Northeast Asian regions and discussed to change Northeast Asia into a peaceful cooperation community, themed ‘Hegemonic competition and territorial dispute in Northeast Asia and the central role of South Korea’.

Meanwhile, Professor Jang Dal-jung, Honorary Professor of the Seoul National University delivered a keynote speech and experts from home and abroad made a topic presentation and discussed.

The NEAR Secretariat took part in the 11th Sub-Committee on Environment held in Toyama Prefecture, Japan and the Secretariat promised to give active support and promotion for Sub-Committee on Environment and individual projects & events organized by member regions. Moreover, the Secretariat requested Toyama's active cooperation for the upcoming NEAR events and exchanged views for NEAR development visiting Niigata and Ishikawa Prefectures.

The visit was a chance for the NEAR Secretariat to enhance network with member regions in Japan.

Supported Gyeongsangbuk-do Province–Irkutsk Regional Council Meeting and Visited the Government of the Irkutsk

Secretary General Kim Participated in the International Conference Hosted by Northeast Asia Community Studies Organization

The Secretariat Participated in the Sub-Committee on Environment and Visited Japanese Member Regions

Council Meeting Group Photo

Participants in the International Conference

Visit to Ishikawa Prefecture

Irkutsk State Linguistic University Visit Photo

The Association of North East Asia Regional Governments 5

NEAR This Month NEAR Activities

The Secretariat delegation led by Secretary General Kim visited Shandong Province and Tianjin City, China to take part in the Sub-Committee on Ocean & Fishery and visit observers on November 5-9. The delegation took part in the 3rd Sub-Committee on Ocean & Fishery held in Qingdao City, Shandong and had an interview with Director General Wang Shuhua of Tianjin Municipal Foreign Affairs Office in Tianjin City, a NEAR observer.

Secretary General Kim encouraged Tianjin City to join NEAR while briefly introducing NEAR and Director General Wang expressed a strong longing for joining NEAR showing his willingness to give Mayor Huang Xingguo of Tianjin City an encouragement letter to join NEAR prepared by the NEAR Secretariat.

In addition, at the invitation of Vice President Yang Long of Zhou Enlai School of Government, Nankai University, located in Tianjin City, the delegation visited Tianjin New Coastal District and Planning Exhibition Center as well as the University on 8th.

Meanwhile, Tianjin, one of the 4 cities under the direct control of China, has been interacting with NEAR since they participated in the Working Committee 2007 held in Shandong Province. Moreover, as a member of OEAED, the city actively participates in interregional government exchange promoting cooperation projects with 10 cities on the Yellow sea.

The 15th Korea-China-Japan Trilateral Local Government Exchange Conference was held on November 10-12 in Toyama Prefecture, Japan, participated by more than 310 people from 3 countries, including South Korea, China, and Japan. Starting from the keynote speech by Miyamoto Yuji, a representative of MIYAMOTO Asia Research Institute, under the theme of ‘Policies taking the advantage of its location and mutual development of Northeast Asia’ and main discussions participated by Vice Governor Lee In-sun of Gyeongsangbuk-do Province and Governor Ishii Takakazu of Toyama Prefecture, panel discussions were conducted under the subtitle of ‘Industry promotion and business exchange/ activation of distribution in global economy’ and ‘Tourism promotion and international tourism/cultural exchange taking the advantage of its location’.

Meanwhile, the NEAR Secretariat delegation exchanged their opinions with participants of NEAR members, including South Korea, China, and Japan. In addition, after the conference, the delegation visited Kyoto and Yamagata Prefecture, which are the NEAR members, and talked about the ways to develop NEAR. They also visited Miyagi Prefecture, non-member of NEAR, to request the Prefecture to join NEAR promoting it.

The Secretariat Participated in the Sub-Committee on Ocean & Fishery and Visited Tianjin, China

The Secretariat Participated in Korea-China-Japan Trilateral Local Government Exchange Conference and Visited Japanese Member Regions

Photo with Director Wang Shouxin of Shandong Ocean & Fishery Department (left)

Photo with Professor Yang Long at Nankai University (right)

Interview with Vice Governor Zhao Luntian of Shandong Province (right)

Interview with Director General Wang Shuhua of Tianjin Municipal Foreign Affairs Office (right)

Visit to Kyoto

Main Debaters Pictures

* ‘Korea-China-Japan Trilateral Local Government Exchange Conference’ An annual summit held between China, Japan, and South Korea. The talks are focused on discovering and sharing the best policies of three regional governments in order to promote mutual development and friendship among regional governments.

NEAR NEWS Vol. 546

NEAR This Month Secretariat News

The Korea International Trade Association and the Federation of Korean Industries held the 6th Korea-Russia Business Dialogue on November 13, sponsored by the Ministry of Trade, Industry & Energy, to discuss Joint Action Plan on economic cooperation between Russia and South Korea, participated by more than 350 enterprisers of both countries as part of Russian President Vladimir Putin’s official visit to the South Korea.

NEAR Secretary General Kim Jae-hyo participated in the meeting at the invitation of Russia and the meeting was participated by representatives of Russian member regions, including Governors of Magadan Region, Irkutsk Region, and Sakhalin Region, and president of the Republic of Tuva.

In particular, Russian President Putin who officially visited to South Korea for summit talk with President Park Geun-hye delivered a special speech under the theme ‘Korea-Russia Economic Cooperation’.

After a special speech by President Putin, Secretary General Kim discussed exchange and cooperation between both countries with important figures of Irkutsk Region, including Governor of Irkutsk and Director of the division of economic development.

Secretary General Kim participated in a reception to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the opening of CLAIR Seoul office held on November 20 at the Lexington hotel, Youido, Seoul.

The reception was held following Korea-Japan Joint Seminar by CLAIR Seoul and Korea Research Institute for Local Administration under the theme of ‘Local self-government and activation of local community’.

H.E. Koro Bessho, the Ambassador of Japan to the Republic of Korea, Kimura Yoko, the Chairman of the CLAIR, Lee Dal-gon, Former Minister of the Ministry of Security and Public Administration, and Lee Seung-jong, the President of the Korea Research Institute for Local Administration participated in the reception.

Meanwhile, Secretary General Kim emphasized continuity and expansion of exchange and cooperation of regional governments playing a complementary role of central government and promised to do his best to promote exchange and cooperation among regional governments of both countries through cooperation of CLAIR Seoul office while proposing a toast.

Secretary General Kim Participated in the 6th Korea-Russia Business Dialogue

Secretary General Kim Participated in a Reception to Celebrate the 20th Anniversary of Opening of CLAIR Seoul Office

* Korea-Russia Business Dialogue An economic cooperation channel established when President Lee Myung Bak visited Russia in 2008, to promote cooperation between Korea-Russia Governor of the Irkutsk Region

Koro Bessho, the Ambassador of Japan to the Republic of Korea(left) and Secretary General Kim(right)

Secretary General Kim’s Proposing a Toast


Kyoto - JapanJapanese Cuisine Designated as ‘Worldwide Intangible Cultural Heritage’

The Japanese government made a proposal for UNESCO registration of the country’s food culture in March 2012 upon the opportunity of Kyoto’s proposal to the central government. Japanese cuisine was recommended for UNESCO heritage by an organization conducting screening of candidates for UNESCO registration, called the Subsidiary Body in October, 2013 and the registration is expected to be formally approved by the UNESCO intergovernmental committee in December.

As Kyoto recognizes Japanese cuisine, especially Kaiseki food, as the symbol of beauty and a culture with value to be preserved, it makes an effort to spread the value of its cuisine by registering Kaiseki food as Intangible Cultural Heritage of Kyoto at the end of March.

In addition, with the need to protect and inherit the value of Japanese food, Kyoto gathers the opinions of intellectuals by organizing a committee reviewing desirable attitude of higher education institutions to register the Japanese food as Intangible Cultural Heritage in April.

NEAR This Month NEAR Member News

NEAR Member News

Chairman Yu Zhengsheng of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference(right) and King Sheikh Hamad bin Isa Al-khalifa of Bahrain(left)

Agreement Ceremony to sign Cooperation Project “China(Henan)-Japan and South Korea Economic and Trade Cooperation and Exchange Fair”

Seminar on Trade Dispute Solution between China-Islamic Countries held during the Expo

Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region-China Henan - ChinaChina-Arab States Expo 2013 Held in Ningxia China(Henan)-Japan and South Korea Economic and

Trade Cooperation and Exchange Fair HeldThe China-Arab States Expo 2013 was held on September 15-19 in

Yinchuan City, Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region. The Expo is a magnificent international meeting promoting economy and trade cooperation and cultural exchange through dialogues of senior-levels between developing countries, including China and Arab nations.

Li Jianhua, Ningxia Party Chief, expressed welcoming address to the participants with a letter of congratulations sent by the General Secretary Xi Jinping to the Expo and Prime Minister Moana Carcasses Kalosil of Vanuatu, delivered congratulatory remarks at the opening ceremony. Foreign leaders, including King Abdullah II Bin Al-Hussein of Jordan and King Sheikh Hamad bin Isa Al-khalifa of Bahrain as well as Vice Chairman Wang Zhengwei of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference attended the opening ceremony.

The Expo, jointly sponsored by China’s Ministry of Commerce, the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade, and the government of Ningxia, was participated by more than 7,300 domestic and overseas officials, representatives, and buyers from nearly 70 countries, including Bahrain, Jordan, Kuwait, Malaysia, Oman, Arab Emirates, Vanuatu, Thailand, and China. With the theme of ‘Globally Oriented China-Arab States Cooperation’, the Expo featured 41 events, including forum, exhibition, and seminars on agriculture, energy, finance, education, tourism.

China (Henan)-Japan and South Korea Economic and Trade Cooperation and Exchange Fair 2013 was held on November 5 in Zhengzhou. It included a briefing session for the Central Plains Economic Zone Industrial cluster development and experimental zone of Zhengzhou Airport Promotion and an agreement ceremony for cooperation projects.

600 people in charge of business associations and enterprises from Japan and Korea and representatives and enterprisers from Henan attended the Fair. In these 67 projects signed in the Fair, 42 investment projects amount to total investment of $ 2.4 billion, and account for $1.85 billion contract foreign capital. Total amount of 25 trade projects contract came to $260 million and it was successfully wrapped up.

In the Fair, agreements were made in a variety of areas, including IT, equipment manufacturing, automobiles and auto parts, textiles and clothing, food, furniture, building materials, metal processing, and tourism. Major agreement included ProLogis’s $250 million project constructing Japanese distribution industry complex in experimental zone of Zheongzhou Airport Promotion.

NEAR NEWS Vol. 548


creating the 21st new cultural Silk Road and Gyeongsangbuk-do Province will take the initiative in establishing mental culture and moral value shared by all nations centered on humanities, especially, Confucianism.

It takes less than an hour from the Arima Onsen, located in Kobe City, Hyogo Prefecture, to Kobe or Osaka by tram or bus. The Arima Onsen has long history and is called one of Japan's oldest hot springs with Dogo Onsen and Shirahama Onsen.

The Onsen street lining with historic hotels, gift shops, and temples has been loved by many people for long years showing calm atmosphere. Sources giving off hot spring steam are seen on the street and many kinds of hot springs gush out. One is reddish brown called ‘Golden Springs’ and the other is colorless called ‘Ginsen Springs’.

Hope Northeast Asian members visit Hyogo Prefecture and enjoy the mood of hot spring filled with Japanese traditions.

World Humanities - Culture Festival 2013, co-hosted by the Gyeongsangbuk-do Province and Ministry of Education of Korea and organized by the National Research Foundation of Korea, was held on October 28-30 in Gyeongju under the theme ‘Humanities on the Silk Road - Then and Now'.

The event was composed of a variety of sessions and various cultural events by Ministry of Education and host organizations of Gyeongsangbuk-do Province, including 3 keynote talks by the world’s greatest scholars and 11 special lectures and discussions.

The event also included Korea China Youth Forum which is aimed at the college students of Shanxi Province of China and Gyeongsangbuk-do Province of South Korea and visit to World Heritage Sites.

In particular, the event organized through a big picture ‘Popularizing the humanities’ introduced talking type for the lecture to increase the public accessibility to the programs and was done with dialogue type to help audiences to understand. Furthermore, under the theme ‘Feast of Silk Road Humanities’, various cultural events such as Korean Photo Exhibition and Byung-gi Hwang Gayageum concert were carried out and participants made a visit to Seokguram, Bulguksa temple, and Yangdong Folk Village which are the UNESCO World Heritages.

Governor Kim Kwan-yong of the Gyeongsangbuk-do Province said that World Humanities Culture Festival 2013 would be a feast of Humanities

* http://www.arima-onsen.com/

Opening Ceremony

Hyogo Prefecture-Japan

Daejeon Metropolitan City-South Korea

Welcome to the Arima Onsen Filled with Japan Emotion!

2013 Nano-Industrial City Forum Held

Gyeongsangbuk-do Province, South KoreaWorld Humanities - Culture Festival 2013 Held

Daejeon Metropolitan City held the Nano-Industrial City Forum on November 5-6 at the Daejeon Convention Center (DCC) to exchange information and cooperate with advanced countries in world Nano industry. The forum, participated by research institutes and enterprises studying Nano science at the cities, such as Dresden of Germany, Tsukuba of Japan, and Grenoble of France achieved the results of exchangeing Nano convergence technology and building a network of Nano convergence industry.

On the first day of the event, Suh Sang-hee, head of the Korea Nano Technology Research Council delivered a keynote speech and made a presentation on the policies to foster Nano convergence industry upon each city and each research institute made a presentation on research trend of new technology of nano convergence and new technology. On the 6th, nano convergence industry business presentations by each city participating in the forum were made and the participants discussed future management plan.

In the afternoon, they wrapped up the activities with Daejeon attractions tour with ETRI, aimed at the foreign visitors.

Meanwhile, Daejeon City signed a cooperation and exchange agreement on science and technology by visiting Dresden City of Germany, Fraunhofer Research Center, and Leibniz Institute for Solid State and Materials Research Center and it makes an effort to promote Nano convergence industry hub city.



The secretariat of the Green Climate Fund (GCF) and the World Bank Group officially opened its brand new South Korean office on December 4, in Songdo, Incheon Metropolitan City.

400 important people from home and abroad attended the opening ceremony, including President Park Geun-hye, Deputy Prime Minister Hyun Oh-seok, and World Bank Group President Kim Yong.

GCF, established in accordance with the necessity of a new international financial organization distinguished from existing environment funds to deal with climate change plays its role as a window for developed countries’ to reduce greenhouse gas of developing countries.

It is expected that GCF acts as a bridge between developed countries and developing countries and finance and climate change helping developing countries grow within the framework convention of climate change.

The fourth Annual European Union Film Festival in Mongolia was held at Black Box theater on November 17~21, organized by the Delegation of the European Union to Mongolia in partnership with Global International NGO. In particular, Jose Manuel Barroso, President of the European Commission, participated in the opening ceremony and the films on offer were truly diverse, including comedies, documentaries, and romantic films from 11 EU member states, such as France, Greece, Hungary, Cyprus, Poland, the Czech Republic, Germany, etc.

The best known image of Russia is a cold winter. The coldest region in Russia is Yakutia(Republic of Sakha). The Republic of Sakha is located in northeastern Siberria and half of the region lies above the Artic circle.

The festival 'Winter Starts in Yakutia' is annually held in the Republic of Sakha and this year marks the 3rd anniversary of the festival. The highlight of the festival the citizen of Yakutia and visitors of different regions wait included Santas who come from Veliky Ustyug, Russian Santa Village and Chyskhaan, winter character-meeting with winter ladies, and tree lighting ceremony. Above this, with various programs, such as frozen fish contest, big fish contest, silver scale market, and ice sculpture festival, the festival was successfully wrapped up.

The festival is planned to be held every December 1 in Sakha, by branding the festival.

Meanwhile, the 7th Japanese Film Festival was co-hosted by Embassy of Japan in Mongolia, Urguu Cinema, and Japanese Association. The film genres which were screened free at Urguu Cinema, included comedies, animations, romantic, and sports films and the opening film was God’s patient’s diary.

‘Japanese Film Festival’ Poster

‘Winter Starts in Yakutia’ Festival (photographed by: Alex Cheban)

‘European Union Film Festival’ Poster

* Chyskhaan : Figure similar to santa.

Incheon Metropolitan City-South Korea

Ulaanbaatar City-Mongolia

The secretariat of the Green Climate Fund (GCF) and World Bank Korea Office Opened

The Annual European Union and Japanese Film Festival Held

Republic of Sakha- Russia ‘Winter Starts in Yakutia” Held

NEAR NEWS Vol. 5410

Have you ever deeply thought about the future of Northeast Asia? As I did, probably, most of the students would say “no” if they are asked this question. When I first saw this contest, I realized that I had been living with such a narrow vision. This contest was a chance for me to widen my vision which was very limited to my surroundings. To our teenagers who live in one country, even smaller, within a fence called a school Northeast Asia might be a too big concept. However, today’s Northeast Asia is placed on a shaking rope of a tension. We, the main players of the future, have a big role in solving the tension of Northeast Asia which has reached the highest tension point of political conflict and territory and history dispute. From this perspective, we need to think about future of Northeast Asia with a big vision to see the world, out of our narrow world.

I think what we need first for the development of Northeast Asia is the sense of community of our teenagers. If we criticize and exclude each other even if we are one community facing our borders, there will be no cooperation and co-development in the future.

About 12 years ago, there was an accident where Korean guy called Soohyun Lee died trying to save a Japanese who fell onto the subway track. Viewing this in a historial site where Japan colonized Korea and dominated, this man’s brave acting of sacrificing himself was a big shock for everyone and it became an opportunity for both countries to lessen the mutual hostilities. This could be just a special example but I was thinking that this could be the very sense of community. Of course, it is important to have the right historical sense but it is inappropriate to divide and separate each other bounded to the biased past view like most of today’s old people. Even the young generations, they criticize and slander other countries through internet but if our teenagers who will be the ones to lead the future have the altruistic thinking like Soohyun Lee, not being bound to the borders but becoming open minded with cooperative attitudes, we can diminish conflict in Northeast Asia and greatly advance its future development.

Moreover, to make one united Northeast Asia, I think communication through education, cultural exchange, and their young generations are

desperate. Do you know about Erasmus program in Europe? This is a student exchange program where students in EU nations can study in other universities in EU nations. This educational exchange program allowed European students to naturally widen their understanding on other cultures. It is pity that there is no exchange system for young generations like Erasmus in Northeast Asia. Therefore, we should be active and give continuous interests to invigorate Northeast Asia Erasmus program as soon as possible.

What is more, like cultural exchange it requires our continuous attention. As I have mentioned before, currently, Northeast Asia has been placed in a tension. Even in cultural exchange side, as much as I feel sad about the situation where we have to compete and oppose with peers of other countries, I also feel jealous of active and friendly environment in Europe. To be more specific, by expanding cultural and artistic performance such as music concert, movie, or folk arts, I wish Northeast Asia could be a harmonious space.

Last February, I really wanted to participate in an international youth exchange program. So, I applied and had an interview but failed. Looking back at it now, at that time, I did not know the necessity and importance of international exchange and also had lack of interests in harmony of Northeast Asia. Even still, I am sure there are many students who do not know about youth exchange program with neighbor countries. Not only me but if all the teenagers get interests and actively participate in the future of Northeast Asia and mutual exchanges, I think they can have the power to diminish today’s tension and conflict even if they are still young.

We are the future driving force of the harmonious and friendly development of Northeast Asia. To make Northeast Asia step forward in to the world’s center, the role of us who will become the older generation in the future is very important. If we actively exchange and cooperate with each other with our sense of community of Northeast Asia as well as continuous interests away from the tension, all of us will be able to achieve common prosperity.

Grand Prize Winner Work

Yu Yeon Ju, Pohang Jechoel High School, Sophomore

What is our role for the united Northeast Asia?

The NEAR Secretariat conducted the 1st NEAR Youth Essay Contest to promote exchange and cooperation among member regions aimed at youths of member regions (14-18 aged). With the undecided topics regarding Northeast Asia, a total of 33 essays including, 3 essays from China, 3 from Japan, 17 from South Korea, 3 from Mongolia, 7 from Russia were submitted.

The Secretariat made an award to the first (1) and second winners (2) by country.

The 1st NEAR Youth Essay Contest Overview

Award Ceremony

NEAR This Month The 1st NEAR Youth Essay Contest

The 1st NEAR Youth Essay Contest


NEAR Member News

New Year’s Culture of Member Regions

Christmas eve is called ‘平安夜’ in Chinese and as the pronunciation of the word is similar to the word “ping quo”(apple), Chinese people give apples to their family members and friends wishing for each other's comfort. Unlike other countries, it's not an important holiday in China, but ‘一天情侣(one day couple)’ and ‘date on Christmas day’ are in fashion among youths.

A New Year is called ‘元旦’ in Chinese, (‘元’ means the beginning and ‘旦’ means the day) and there is not special meaning on the day even though the government holiday is three days long.

Chinese people consider January 1st by the lunar calendar as a true New Year and celebrate the biggest holiday of the year with their family. The last night of the year is called ‘除夕’ (chu xi) and families gather and wait for the midnight eating ‘年夜饭(nian ye fan)’, watching large banquet programs, playing mah-jong, and making dumplings.

400 years ago, New Year started with holding a memorial service. Nowadays, Chinese family member gathers and holds a memorial service for their ancestors. Semicircular shaped 饺子(dumplings) is served in Northern China and small round shaped 汤圆(Tangyuan) is served in southern China for the New Year’s dinner.

They celebrate a New Year decorating home with traditional ornaments and hanging Gilsangdo praying for good luck. The type of Gilsangdo includes Chrysanthemum, Bambusoideae, apple, peony, Cercidiphyllum japonicum, pomegranate, bottle gourd, lotus, magpie, mandarin duck, and fish.

.❶ Tangyuan in Southern China ❷ Dumplings in Northern China ❸ Gilsangdo

❹ Chun Lian: a Decoration to be placed on New Year’s Eve to Greet New Year

China

Most government offices and companies traditionally close during the New Year’s holiday season from December 28 to January 3. Japanese people are busy sending the old year out and greeting a New Year in from December 29 to the end[last day] of the month. Schools and companies greet a New Year by holding year-end party upon each class and each division respectively and doing a great big house clean up. This is called ‘Susuharai(すす払い)’, a tradition to have a ‘great big house clean up’ meaning sort of ‘getting rid of bad luck of the year’.

When the cleaning is done, people eat toshi koshi soba in the evening of December 31. The direct origin of eating toshi koshi soba on New Year's Eve can be dated back to the Edo period. Thin and long noodles of the soba symbolize longevity. In addition, because soba is easily cut, some people argue that the noodle symbolizes the severing of links with the hardships and disease. When eating the soba is done, people listen to the Watch-Night bell near temples at midnight. The bells are rung 108 times symbolizing getting rid of unhappiness in Buddhism and connecting the end of the old year with the beginning of the New Year.

People eat Ozoni, a boiled chicken soup added with vegetables and baked rice cakes in the morning for the three days. There are various games on the New Year’s day and Hagoita is mainly played by girls.

❶ Toshi koshi Soba❷ Hanetsuki

Japan

Feature Report New Year’s Culture of Member Regions

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NEAR NEWS Vol. 5412



Governments

Mongolian New Year culture depends on lunar and solar calendar. First off, Mongolians do a big clean-up from morning to greet a New Year on December 31 by the lunar calender. After the big clean-up is over, meat-filled dumplings called butz are served in the evening. There is a culstom predicting fortune by adding lamb ankles and coins into the dumplings on the eve of the New Year's Day. While eating the dumplings, if the ankles of lamb turn out, everything turns out ok in a New Year. If coins turn out, they make a fortune.

On New Year’s morning, as soon as Mongolians get up, they go outside and return the way. The oldest person at home holds out a blue silk called ‘Khadag’ and greets. It means ‘giving my open hearts to somebody’.

It is not too much to say that solar calendar year-end party starts from December 1. New Year is spent with family decorating New Year’s tree and children receive gift from their parents and relatives. Before 12 o'clock of December 31, the Mongolian President delivers the Annual Presidential New Year address. At 12 o'clock, family drinks champaign and has a toast saying Happy New Year!

❶ New Year’s Day Snack ❷ New Year’s Greeting

Mongolia

With the year coming to close, Koreans spend their time holding year-end party with families and friends, and companies similar to Japan. Bosingak holds a bell-tolling ceremony participated by many citizens and three ground wave broadcast stations live the event. The event is participated by Korean important figures and the bell is hit 33 times. It was originally hit 108 times symbolizing getting rid of unhappiness, but the number of hitting the bell was changed to 33 times for the reason that opening the gate with the beginning of the New Year is favorable to the entire nation. Attractions for sunrise are flooded by people who come to take in the first sunrise of the year and make a wish.

It's traditional to eat tteokguk rice cake soup in the morning to celebrate the New Year. Tteokguk has been considered a symbol to become one year older and the garaetteok in tteokguk represents good health and long life and rich year. Children bow down to their elders on the New Year and the kids are given money (called saebae money) and good advice (deokdam) as a reward. The tradition of greeting each other a Happy New Year still lives on in that country.

There are several traditional Korean cultures on New Year’s day, such as Yut nori played with women and men together, Neolttwigi played by young women, and kite-flying by men.

❶ Rice Cake Soup (Tteokguk) ❷ Neolttwigi and Kite-flying❸ Greeting Sunrise

South Korea

Since early 20th centry, Russian New Year's day has been considered the most splendid and magnificiant national festival.

Until the early 1920s, Jesus Christ's birth was considered the most representative national festival by Russian Orthodox.Christmas gradually came to the second festival following New Year's event.

In the end of 1699, the Russian Emperor Peter I the Great issued an order to celebrate the New Year’s beginning on January 1 (by the Julian calendar). And, in 1700, people enjoyed the New Year's festival for entire week by the king's order. Each family decorates Christmas tree in front of the door, puts fire on the tree box every night, shouts fire work, fires 200 guns in front of the Kremlin, and shoots guns to inform a New Year.

Before the new year, Russian people throw away broken plates and dishes, and wash windows and mirros to greet a New Year. At few minutes before 12 o'clock (usually at 23:55 on December 31), the Russian President delivers the Annual Presidential New Year address wishing the people gook luck and Happy New Year.

❶❷ The New Year in front of the Kremlin

Russia

Feature Report New Year’s Culture of Member Regions

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New Year’s Greetings from Member Regions NEAR News collected New Year's Greetings from member regions to close the year warmly.

Foreign Affairs Office, Heilongjiang Province Director Wangxinguo

I wish NEAR and staff of member regional governments health and an enjoyable working life in the following year.

The Chinese People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries of Foreign Affairs Office, Hunan Province Vice-Senior Staff Member Yiyuqing

I wish all staff at NEAR peace and good luck. Happy New Year!

Asian Affairs Division of Foreign Affairs Office, Shandong Province Senior Staff Member Han Yinghua

I hope NEAR grow day by day wishing you good luck and success for the New Year.

Asian Affairs Division of Foreign Affairs Office, Hubei Province Senior Staff Member Chenlu

I wish NEAR tremendous success and all the best wishes to you in a New Year.

Asian Affairs Division of Foreign Affairs Office, Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region Vice-Senior Staff Member Songjie

Dear NEAR Family members! Happy New Year! I wish you health, peace, all the luck in Horse Year 2014!

International Affairs and Trade Division of Bureau of Strategic Tourism and International Affairs, Aomori Prefectural Government Senior Chief Kiyoko Nakui

Dear NEAR members regions!New Year’s greetings from Aomori Prefecture, famous for snowy landscape. I wish you a Happy New Year!

Tourism Promotion Division of Fukui Promotion Department, Fukui Prefectural Government Group Manager Masahiro Hirobe

The World Youth Baseball Tournament was held in August in Fukui Prefecture. It was impressed that many children play with each other.

Do our best together for our children.

International Relations Division, Hyogo Prefecture Assistant Section Chief Tetsuya TAKAHASHI

Dear NEAR members and staff at the Secretariat!You did a great job throughout the year. Let’s work together for promoting exchanges of Northeast Asia.Sub-Committee on Disaster Prevention is to be held

in March, 2014. Let’s meet at Hyogo.

International Cooperation Division of Economy & Trade Bureau, Chungcheongbuk-do Province Assistant Staff Kim Ji-sun

Dear NEAR members! The end of 2013 is already around the corner. I hope it was a meaningful year and may all your wishes and dreams come true in 2014.

International Business Division, Gyeongsangbuk-do Province Assistant Staff Lee Myung-ja

Dear NEAR members! Hello everyone!I’m Lee Myung-ja, in charge of NEAR, of International Business Division of Gyeongsangbuk-do Provincial Government. You did a great job for Northeast Asia’s

co-prosperity and harmony throughout the year. There is not much left until 2013. I hope you will end this year well and may the hopes of the New Year come to pass.

International Trade Division, Chungcheongnam-do Province Assistant Manager Bok Hwa-kyung

I wish you health and happiness in a New Year.

Chinese Member

Japanese Member

Korean Member

Feature Report New Year’s Greetings from Member Regions

NEAR NEWS Vol. 5414

Department of Economic Development, Irkutsk Region Lim Ro-sa

Dear NEAR Family!Merry Christmas & Happy New YearMay your comming year be filled with health, happiness, and prosperity.All the best wishes to you in a New Year.

Internal/Foreign Affairs Office, Republic of Sakha Minister Valerie Maximov

Dear NEAR members!I sincerely celebrate a New Year. Happy New Yaer! As far as I remember, 2013 was a year to restore warm and friendly relationships among member regions.

From now on, Republic of Sakha will actively participate in the NEAR projects and play a role to build Northeast Asia prosperity.

International/Local Relations Division, Altai Territory Director Alexandro Jillin

Honorable NEAR members! I sincerely wish you a very Happy New Year.I would like to express my gratitude to NEAR member regions for the support and cooperation playing a role in economic and

cultural area in Northeast Asia. We have been in a reliable and stable relationship for years. There were plenty of successful events showing lots of acoomplishments by member regions in 2013.I wish you happiness and prosperity. Also, I want the most courageous projects to be realized and sparkling idea to be specified.

International Economy Agency, Republic of Tuva Senior Consultant Irgit Sayana

It is always mysterious, interesting, and pleasant to meet a New Year. We usually say 'Happy New Year! I wish you happiness in a New Year!' which is a simple word, with a special feeling as it only happens once a

year. So the word can be said most magnificently. I wish all of you health, success, and endless happiness celebrating attractive new year. Happy New Year!

Internal/Foreign Affairs Office, Republic of Sakha Senior Consultant Savina Danilova

Dear NEAR members! Looking back upon 2013, it was a warm memory to have participated in the Working-level Workshop and meet all of you at Pohang.All the best wishes to you in the year of the

Horse 2014 representing strength, diligence, and prosperity.I hope 2014 is a step to take a leap forward for friendly and close relationship among member regions. Happy New Year and may happiness be yours in the New Year.

International Exchange Division of Administration Bureau, Govi-Altai Province

Assistant Manager Munkhzaya

Honorable NEAR Secretary General Kim Jae-hyo, staff of the Secretariat, and all NEAR members!New Year’s greetings from Govi-Altai Province on behalf of the Governor of Govi-Altai

Province and all residents. 2013 was full of achievements with self-reflection and lessons. We wish you good health in the years ahead.

International Exchange Division, Arkhangai Province Assistant Manager Tuyasaikhan

New Year’s greetings wishing for success and happiness.Dear NEAR Secretary General Kim, member regions, staff of the Secretariat, and the publishers of the NEAR News.

My warm greetings from Arkhangai Province for the New Year 2014.I want all member regions to strenghthen the relationship and have a practical exchange hoping all of you visit Arkhangai Province. Happy New Year!

International Exchange Division of Administration Bureau, Umnugovi Province Assistant Manager Urlee

Dear NEAR members!I send Happy New Year Wishes on behalf of the Governor of Umnugovi Province and generous residents of Umnugovi Province.All the best wishes to you in a new year and

may your coming year be filled with prosperity.

International Exchange Division, Uvs Province Assistant Manager Saruul

New Year's Greetings from Uvs Province, western part of the country, to each staff of 71 NEAR members in 6 countres through NEAR News.I think your participation and effort are needed

for Northeast Asia Prosperity. I wish you all a Happy New Year and all the best wishes to you with support of your achievements over the last year.

Sunrise at the Underwater Tomb of King Munmu, Gyeongju, Gyeongsangbuk-do Province

Mongolian Member

Russian Member

Wishing you joy and prosperity for the new year.

Feature Report New Year’s Greetings from Member Regions


| Overview |Heilongjiang Province located in the northeast China, has an area of 473,000km2 accounting for 4.9 percent of the nation’s total land area. Administrative divisions are divided into 13(12 cities and 1 district). State capital is Harbin City and the population is about 38,312,224(as of 2012).Harbin Ice and Snow Festival is held every winter and the festival is considered one of the world's oldest and largest ice-snow festival.

The 30th China·Harbin Ice and Snow Festival, one of the World’s Four Grand Ice-Snow Festivals

Heilongjiang Province, ChinaNEAR Member Tour

Heilongjiang Province, China

NEAR NEWS Vol. 5416

China·Harbin Ice and Snow Festival, One of the World’s Four Grand Ice-Snow Festivals

China·Harbin Ice and Snow Festival is the first-ever international event with the theme of snow and ice in China. The festival is one of the world's four grand ice-snow festivals, along with Japan's Sapporo Snow Festival, Canada's Quebec City Winter Carnival, and Norway's Holmenkollen Ski Festival.

The festival, having been held since 1963 and officially established in 1985 as an ice sculpture exhibition which had been traditionally held in Harbin City is held annually starting in January 5 and lasts one month.

During the festival, various programs are presented to the visitors, including Harbin Ice-Snow World, which is known as Disneyland of Ice-Snow situated on the Songhua River, huge ice sculptures exhibition in Stalin Park, snow sculptures exhibition on Sun Island, the Ice Lantern Amusement Gathering in Zhaolin Park, and other activities such as winter swimming, soccer match on snow land, alpine skiing invitational tournament, International ice sculpture competition, speed skating, poetry competition, photograph exhibition, books exhibition, film festival, and wedding ceremony on ice.

The festival is attracting more than 1 million visitors from all over the world with various event programs, such as ice sculpture exhibition, large-scale fireworks show, ice wedding, photo contest, Book Fair, economic and technical cooperation talks, material transactions Assembly, patented technologies and new products Fair under the theme of ‘Economization of topic, internationalization of goal, commercialization of management, and popularization of event’. Apart from attracting tourists from home and abroad, cooperation among buyers from home and abroad in economy and trade area also comes and it plays a role as a bridge of friendly exchanges.

The 30th China·Harbin Ice and Snow Festival to be held in January, 2014! The 30th China·Harbin Ice and Snow Festival, jointly hosted by the National Tourism

Administration, Heilongjiang provincial government, and Harbin municipal government, will be held in January 2014. Themed ‘Happy Snow, Passionate City’, Ice and Snow Festival consists of various events, such as tourism, art, sports, economy and trade, and culture.

Visitors can appreciate works of art created with snow and ice around Ice and Snow World and Zhaolin Park.

Shining ice sculpture will make the Harbin city a brilliant world and snow mobile, ice slide, and circus and dance on ice give visitors the chance to enjoy the winter.

<the source : Baidu>

Heilongjiang Province

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North KoreaSouth Korea

Jilin Province

Liaoning Sheng

Neimenggu

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NEAR Member Tour Heilongjiang Province, China


Abundant Resources and Natural Beauty Jeju is famous for more than 7,800 types of abundant land and ocean creatures, annual

groundwater of 1.50 billion tons, and an excellent wind power. Jeju with natural environment, including volcano, sea, stones and wind, mountains, and field, has become a “triple crown” winner in UNESCO’s nature and science field with designations of Biosphere Reserve in 2002, World Natural Heritage in 2007, and World Geopark in 2010. Also, Jeju Island was voted as one of the New 7 Wonders of Nature.

In addition, the Olle Trail, called the hilling trail, is an attraction for a walking tour and a representative item in the Korean tourism. More than 18,000 myths and legends coming down from its mountains, sea, and villages are another attraction of Jeju.

World Environment Capital through Establishing Cutting-edge Green Growth Industry, JejuBy an effort to preserve the nature environment, Jeju held World Conservation Congress in

September 2012, participated by more than 10,600 environmental experts from 170 countries. Through the congress, Jeju has started to make itself a World Environment Capital in 2020. In addition, Jeju is trying to create the nation's largest offshore Wind Park, establish Jeju Energy Corporation leading the Jeju future, build the world’s first and largest Smart Grid Testbed, implement the nation’s first electric rent-car commercial service, create model area for electric cars, supplies 160 electric cars to the residents, and make Gapado the world's first carbon-free island.

Also, Jeju has played one of the important roles for the Korean future vision leading new and cutting-edge green growth industry, such as water industry, bio, and beauty industry

Located southwest of the Korean Peninsula, Jeju Island is strategically positioned connecting continents(Russia, China) and oceans (Japan, South-East Asia). Its area is 1,849.2 square kilometers (2.7 times bigger than Singapore, 1.7 times bigger than Hong Kong). Its population is about 600,000 as of 2013 supported by returning to farming. Its primary industry accounts for 17.9 %, a secondary industry accounts for 4.1 %, and tourism industry, which is tertiary industry, accounts for 78.0 % supporting its economy along with mandarin industry, primary industry.

Beautiful Island, Jeju!

Sunrise at Seongsan Ilchulbong

Jeju Special Self-Governing Province, South KoreaNEAR Member Tour

Jeju Special Self-Governing Province, South Korea

NEAR NEWS Vol. 5418

The Place for International Exchange & Cooperation and Discussion

With a starting point of the South Korea- Russia summit talk in 1991, historically, Jeju has been a place to discuss peace of Northeast Asia with the two 1996 summit meetings (Korea-U.S and Korea-Japan), China's principal leader’s consecutive visit in 1995 and 1998, the Korea-ASEAN Summit in 2009, and China, Japan, South Korea summit talk in 2012.

To inherit the spirit, Jeju has started holding the Jeju forum since 2001. The Jeju forum was held in May, 2013, with the highest attendance totaling 3,665 from 50 countries ever and is emerging as a representative forum seeking prosperity and peace in Asian regions.

With a record to hold various international conferences, Jeju has been spending lots of years training talented individuals for tourism and leisure industries centered on resort-type MICE industry promotion policies combining tourism with leisure.

Jeju has signed a sisterhood relationship with Hawaii, Bali of Indonesia, Sakhalin Island of Russia, and Hainan Province of China and the province signed a friendship city agreement with Taipei City of Taiwan, Tasmania of Australia, Shizuoka of Japan, Dalian Shi of China, Kien Giang of Vietnam, Shanghai of China, Aomori Prefecture of Japan, and Heilongjiang Province of China promoting exchange.

Establishment of Networking with Global Leaders

Jeju has held Jeju International Youth Forum every year since 2010 with Jeju Special Self-Governing Provincial Office of Education to establish network with future leaders and next-generation global leaders and introduce the Island of Peace, Jeju to the world.

As an International Forum aimed at high school students, as years go by, Jeju has contributed to increasing global awareness of the high school students in the Province by deepening discussion of youths as well as expanding forum. As a regional government, Jeju International Youth Forum has been considered one of the best cases among the forums held aimed at the youths and the forum was successfully held participated by more than 125 people from 9 countries and 19 cities this year.

Free International City, JejuJeju has its various appearances in the future. Jeju moves forward as a free

international city for its inhabitants’ happiness by expanding Jeju Samdasoo, Korea best bottled water, into the global market, building a green industrial complex, promoting new growth industry and cutting-edge manufactures using native land resources, industrializing cultural contents to promote Jeju’s unique regional cultures, and branding Jeju tourism industries.

1. 2. Seongsan Ilchulbong3. Creation of Model Area for Electric Cars

4. Smart Grid Day Festival5. Jeju International Youth Forum

6. Jeju Forum

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NEAR Member Tour Jeju Special Self-Governing Province, South Korea


The Association of North East Asia Regional Governments

The Association of North East Asia Regional Governments3F Pohang Technopark, #394 Jigok-ro (#601 Jigok-dong), Namgu, Pohang City, Gyeongsangbuk-do, ROKT. 054-223-2318 F. +82-54-223-2309 E-mail [email protected] Website www.neargov.org

NEAR news vol.54 (ENG)

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Transcript of NEAR news vol.54 (ENG)